December 21, 2010
JESUS COMMANDS HIS CAPTORS
John 18:1-14
Lynne Schott
Central Truth
Jesus is in command of even the most threatening circumstances, and we can trust Him implicitly to direct us through every situation life brings.
Key Verse | John 18:6
So when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground. (John 18:6)
John 18:1-14
Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” 1 18:5 Greek I am; also verses 6, 8 Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus 2 18:6 Greek he said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant 3 18:10 Or bondservant; twice in this verse and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”
Jesus Faces Annas and Caiaphas
12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews 4 18:12 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 14, 31, 36, 38 arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.
Dive Deeper | John 18:1-14
There are some Bible passages that I wish I could have experienced as an eyewitness. This is one of them, perhaps because it reminds me of something out of a Chuck Norris movie.
Can you see it? Can you put yourself in the olive orchard? Apparently, it was a common meeting place for Jesus and His disciples. I wonder what they were talking about when they first noticed the lights from the soldiers' torches.
Verse 4 says that Jesus went out to meet the soldiers. He asked them, “Who is it you want?” They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus spoke the words, “I am He,” and Scripture tells us that this detachment of soldiers drew back and fell to the ground! Obviously, Jesus had the situation under control. You would think that the disciples would recognize this, but evidently Peter does not.
I have always thought of Peter's actions as being a little endearing. However, looking closely, I recognize his lack of faith. The moment Peter unsheathed his sword, he revealed his struggle to control the situation. He couldn’t trust Jesus to manage it.
Unfortunately, I all too often identify with Peter. Instead of completely trusting Jesus in the circumstances of my life, I turn to my own “swords." I seek security in the swords of education, organization, finances, and the list goes on. Rather than completely trusting Jesus with life's struggles, I try to help Him, and sometimes I even try to wrangle complete control. However, my arsenal of coping strategies pales in comparison to the armor of God. I am sure the Lord wants to say to me, "Put your sword away!," just as He did to Peter that night among the olive trees.
My desire is to grow to trust Jesus more completely and rely on His Word consistently. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Discussion Questions
1. What is your first line of defense in a crisis?
2. Has there been a time when God's Word penetrated your heart to the point that it almost made your knees buckle? When was that?
3. Is there an area of your life in which you are making decisions out of self-reliance rather than being guided by God's Word?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Did Jesus know that He was going to be killed (see verse 4)?
2. Was He willing to do what God had planned for Him (verse 11)?
3. Why do you think Jesus was willing to go through with this horrible death?
4. Are there hard things that you have been asked to do by God? (for example, love someone at school that other kids don’t like, or sacrifice something you want so someone else can have it.)
5. Can you trust God to care for you at all times?